A Comparison of Online Learning Challenges Between Young Learners and Adult Learners in ESL Classes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Critical Review

Abstract

This critical review aims to make a comparison of online learning challenges between young learners and adult learners in ESL classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has forced the closure of schools and institutions and the shift from face to face classes to online learning which forced the learners to adapt with the transformation. The challenges being faced by the young and adult learners were categorized into three themes, namely learning styles, psychological effect and low academic performance. A total of 40 articles were screened from the years 2020 and 2021. Out of those articles, 29 articles were recognized for the adult learners’ challenges and 11 articles for the young learners’ challenges. The findings suggested there were differences of challenges between the young and adult learners. It is important to recognize the challenges faced by these two levels of learners so that these challenges can be addressed accordingly in the future.